MassVoter.com← DedhamMunicipal votes · 2021–2022 Board
Dedham Select Board
How the Dedham Select Board voted, from the Select Board’s official minutes. 5 Select Board members elected townwide for three-year terms. After the April 2021 town election the same five members reorganized on May 26, 2021: Dimitria Sullivan as Chair and Sarah MacDonald as Vice Chair (“All were in favor”). Covers 20 meetings, May 26 to April 6, 2022.
A monthly email on what it voted on, starting in November.
What does the Select Board do? It is the town’s executive board. It prepares the Town Meeting warrant (the list of articles voters decide), appoints members of many town boards, hires the town’s top staff, signs warrants to pay town bills, and grants licenses and permits.
Town Meeting, not the Select Board, votes the town budget and town bylaws.
Sources: Massachusetts Select Board Handbook (MMA) · Mass. Division of Local Services: the town budgetBoard years
Coming up
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Members
ChairDimitria SullivanChair · Elected townwide · at 20 of 20 meetingsVice-ChairSarah MacDonaldVice Chair · Elected townwide · at 19 of 20 meetings
James MacDonaldMember · Elected townwide · at 19 of 20 meetingsDennis TeehanMember · Elected townwide · at 16 of 20 meetings"At X of Y meetings" counts the members the minutes list as present at the start of each meeting in this record. Members who step out are listed on each meeting page.
Meetings
About missing minutes
Loaded: Dedham Select Board minutes (called the Board of Selectmen until early 2020) from January 11, 2018 through January 29, 2026, from the town’s Agendas and Minutes page. The town posts agendas for nearly every meeting, but many meetings have no minutes online: the gaps grow from 2022 on, only a handful of late-2025 meetings have minutes, and the town has posted minutes for only 2 of the 22 Select Board meetings held so far in 2026 (January 15 and January 29). We list every meeting without minutes, and MassVoter is asking the town for them. Older minutes were typed in Word; most minutes since 2021 are scanned images, which MassVoter read with text recognition and checked by hand. From 2018 to 2022 the minutes record a roll call by name for most votes, and we show each member’s vote. Most Dedham minutes since 2023 say only “On a motion made by …, it was resolved to … Motion carried,” so we show the result without guessing how each member voted, even when the minutes add “Roll call was done.” When the minutes call a vote unanimous or give a count with no one opposed, every member present is shown voting yes. When members chose between candidates for an appointment, we show the result and quote each member’s choice in a note. Votes taken by other boards at joint meetings (for example the Planning Board, Board of Health and Board of Assessors) are left out. We will ask the town to confirm any noted vote.
Votes where members disagreed
Most board votes are unanimous. These are the ones where at least one member voted no or abstained, newest first.
Mar 24Approve the recommendation of outdoor dining of the outdoor…Motion: A motion was made by Mr. MacDonald it was resolved to…Passed Unanimous, 5 present · see note
March 24, 2022: Approve the recommendation of outdoor dining of the outdoor dining working group to begin outdoor dining on April 15, 2022 and that the installation and costs of the ramps be…
A motion was made by Mr. MacDonald it was resolved to approve the recommendation of outdoor dining of the outdoor dining working group to begin outdoor dining on April 15, 2022 and that the installation and costs of the ramps be the cost of the business owner to meet the requirements of the health department. The motion was seconded by Mr. MacDonald. A roll call vote was taken Dimitria Sullivan Yes James A. MacDonald Yes Sarah MacDonald Yes Kevin R. Coughlin Yes Dennis Teehan Yes Motion passed unanimously, 5-0.
The minutes name James MacDonald as both the mover and the seconder, so no seconder is shown.
From the minutes
“A motion was made by Mr. MacDonald it was resolved to approve the recommendation of outdoor dining of the outdoor dining working group to begin outdoor dining on April 15, 2022 and that the installation and costs of the ramps be the cost of the business owner to meet the requirements of the health department. The motion was seconded by Mr. MacDonald. A roll call vote was taken Dimitria Sullivan Yes James A. MacDonald Yes Sarah MacDonald Yes Kevin R. Coughlin Yes Dennis Teehan Yes Motion passed unanimously, 5-0..” (Motion: James MacDonald)
Mar 10Approve the entertainment licenses for Blue Ribbon BBQ and…Motion: A motion was made by Mr. Coughlin to approve the entertainment…Passed 4–0 · see note
March 10, 2022: Approve the entertainment licenses for Blue Ribbon BBQ and the Liberty Main Bistro
A motion was made by Mr. Coughlin to approve the entertainment licenses for Blue Ribbon BBQ and the Liberty Main Bistro. The motion was seconded by Ms. MacDonald. A roll call vote was taken Dimitria Sullivan Yes Sarah MacDonald Yes Kevin R. Coughlin Yes Dennis Teehan Yes Motion passed unanimously, 4-0.
Yes: Coughlin, Sarah MacDonald, Sullivan, TeehanJames MacDonald joined the meeting at 8:15 p.m. (the attendance list says “from 8:15 p.m.”) and is not in this roll call, so he is not counted.
From the minutes
“A motion was made by Mr. Coughlin to approve the entertainment licenses for Blue Ribbon BBQ and the Liberty Main Bistro. The motion was seconded by Ms. MacDonald. A roll call vote was taken Dimitria Sullivan Yes Sarah MacDonald Yes Kevin R. Coughlin Yes Dennis Teehan Yes Motion passed unanimously, 4-0..” (Motion: Coughlin, second: Sarah MacDonald)
Mar 10Approve the Juneteenth Event on June 18, 2022 at…Motion: A motion was made by Mr. Coughlin to approve the Juneteenth…Passed 4–0 · see note
March 10, 2022: Approve the Juneteenth Event on June 18, 2022 at the Endicott Estate from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. The motion was
A motion was made by Mr. Coughlin to approve the Juneteenth Event on June 18, 2022 at the Endicott Estate from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. The motion was seconded by Ms. MacDonald. A roll call vote was taken Dimitria Sullivan Yes Sarah MacDonald Yes Kevin R. Coughlin Yes Dennis Teehan Yes Motion passed unanimously, 4-0.
Yes: Coughlin, Sarah MacDonald, Sullivan, TeehanJames MacDonald joined the meeting at 8:15 p.m. (the attendance list says “from 8:15 p.m.”) and is not in this roll call, so he is not counted.
From the minutes
“A motion was made by Mr. Coughlin to approve the Juneteenth Event on June 18, 2022 at the Endicott Estate from 9:00 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. The motion was seconded by Ms. MacDonald. A roll call vote was taken Dimitria Sullivan Yes Sarah MacDonald Yes Kevin R. Coughlin Yes Dennis Teehan Yes Motion passed unanimously, 4-0..” (Motion: Coughlin, second: Sarah MacDonald)
Mar 10Approve the One Day Beer and Wine for James…Motion: A motion was made by Mr. Coughlin to approve the One…Passed 4–0 · see note
March 10, 2022: Approve the One Day Beer and Wine for James Joyce Ramble and Take a Walk occurring on April 4, 2022
A motion was made by Mr. Coughlin to approve the One Day Beer and Wine for James Joyce Ramble and Take a Walk occurring on April 4, 2022. The motion was seconded by Ms. MacDonald. A roll call vote was taken Dimitria Sullivan Yes Sarah MacDonald Yes Kevin R. Coughlin Yes Dennis Teehan Yes Motion passed unanimously, 4-0.
Yes: Coughlin, Sarah MacDonald, Sullivan, TeehanJames MacDonald joined the meeting at 8:15 p.m. (the attendance list says “from 8:15 p.m.”) and is not in this roll call, so he is not counted.
From the minutes
“A motion was made by Mr. Coughlin to approve the One Day Beer and Wine for James Joyce Ramble and Take a Walk occurring on April 4, 2022. The motion was seconded by Ms. MacDonald. A roll call vote was taken Dimitria Sullivan Yes Sarah MacDonald Yes Kevin R. Coughlin Yes Dennis Teehan Yes Motion passed unanimously, 4-0..” (Motion: Coughlin, second: Sarah MacDonald)
Mar 10Approve the change of date for Big Dan's Kids…Motion: A motion was made by Mr. Coughlin to approve the change…Passed 4–0 · see note
March 10, 2022: Approve the change of date for Big Dan's Kids Mile to March 26, 2022
A motion was made by Mr. Coughlin to approve the change of date for Big Dan's Kids Mile to March 26, 2022. The motion was seconded by Ms. MacDonald. A roll call vote was taken Dimitria Sullivan Yes . Sarah MacDonald Yes Kevin R. Coughlin Yes Lo Dennis Teehan Yes Motion passed unanimously, 4-0.
Yes: Coughlin, Sarah MacDonald, Sullivan, TeehanJames MacDonald joined the meeting at 8:15 p.m. (the attendance list says “from 8:15 p.m.”) and is not in this roll call, so he is not counted.
From the minutes
“A motion was made by Mr. Coughlin to approve the change of date for Big Dan's Kids Mile to March 26, 2022. The motion was seconded by Ms. MacDonald. A roll call vote was taken Dimitria Sullivan Yes . Sarah MacDonald Yes Kevin R. Coughlin Yes Lo Dennis Teehan Yes Motion passed unanimously, 4-0..” (Motion: Coughlin, second: Sarah MacDonald)
Mar 10Approve the Great Strikes Walk at the Endicott Estate…Motion: A motion was made by Mr. Coughlin to approve the Great…Passed 4–0 · see note
March 10, 2022: Approve the Great Strikes Walk at the Endicott Estate on May 22, 2022
A motion was made by Mr. Coughlin to approve the Great Strikes Walk at the Endicott Estate on May 22, 2022. The motion was seconded by Ms. MacDonald. A roll call vote was taken Dimitria Sullivan Yes Sarah MacDonald Yes Kevin R. Coughlin Yes Dennis Teehan Yes Motion passed unanimously, 4-0.
Yes: Coughlin, Sarah MacDonald, Sullivan, TeehanJames MacDonald joined the meeting at 8:15 p.m. (the attendance list says “from 8:15 p.m.”) and is not in this roll call, so he is not counted.
From the minutes
“A motion was made by Mr. Coughlin to approve the Great Strikes Walk at the Endicott Estate on May 22, 2022. The motion was seconded by Ms. MacDonald. A roll call vote was taken Dimitria Sullivan Yes Sarah MacDonald Yes Kevin R. Coughlin Yes Dennis Teehan Yes Motion passed unanimously, 4-0..” (Motion: Coughlin, second: Sarah MacDonald)
Mar 10Approve the signage for Fairbanks Garden Club Plant Sale…Motion: A motion was made by Mr. Coughlin to approve the signage…Passed 4–0 · see note
March 10, 2022: Approve the signage for Fairbanks Garden Club Plant Sale on March 7, 2022
A motion was made by Mr. Coughlin to approve the signage for Fairbanks Garden Club Plant Sale on March 7, 2022. The motion was seconded by Ms. MacDonald. A roll call vote was taken Dimitria Sullivan Yes Sarah MacDonald Yes Kevin R. Coughlin Yes Dennis Teehan , Yes Motion passed unanimously, 4-0.
Yes: Coughlin, Sarah MacDonald, Sullivan, TeehanJames MacDonald joined the meeting at 8:15 p.m. (the attendance list says “from 8:15 p.m.”) and is not in this roll call, so he is not counted.
From the minutes
“A motion was made by Mr. Coughlin to approve the signage for Fairbanks Garden Club Plant Sale on March 7, 2022. The motion was seconded by Ms. MacDonald. A roll call vote was taken Dimitria Sullivan Yes Sarah MacDonald Yes Kevin R. Coughlin Yes Dennis Teehan , Yes Motion passed unanimously, 4-0..” (Motion: Coughlin, second: Sarah MacDonald)
Mar 10Submit to the general court the special legislation to…Motion: motion made by Ms. MacDonald moved to submit to the general…Passed 4–0 · see note
March 10, 2022: Submit to the general court the special legislation to address the specific situation created by the town's 2003 acceptance of Mass general law chapter 31, section 58a, where a qualified…
Motion made by Ms. MacDonald moved to submit to the general court the special legislation to address the specific situation created by the town's 2003 acceptance of Mass general law chapter 31, section 58a, where a qualified candidate would otherwise be prohibited from being eligible for original appointment as a police officer and in connection therewith to request that the Governor submit such bill in accordance with the provisions of section 8 of the home rule amendment where this matters of great import to the town and requires immediate action and to authorize the town manager to take such action to effectuate this vote. The motion was seconded by Dr. Teehan. A roll call vote was taken Dimitria Sullivan Yes Sarah MacDonald Yes Kevin R. Coughlin Yes Dennis Teehan Yes Motion passed unanimously, 4-0.
Yes: Coughlin, Sarah MacDonald, Sullivan, TeehanJames MacDonald joined the meeting at 8:15 p.m. (the attendance list says “from 8:15 p.m.”) and is not in this roll call, so he is not counted.
From the minutes
“motion made by Ms. MacDonald moved to submit to the general court the special legislation to address the specific situation created by the town's 2003 acceptance of Mass general law chapter 31, section 58a, where a qualified candidate would otherwise be prohibited from being eligible for original appointment as a police officer and in connection therewith to request that the Governor submit such bill in accordance with the provisions of section 8 of the home rule amendment where this matters of great import to the town and requires immediate action and to authorize the town manager to take such action to effectuate this vote. The motion was seconded by Dr. Teehan. A roll call vote was taken Dimitria Sullivan Yes Sarah MacDonald Yes Kevin R. Coughlin Yes Dennis Teehan Yes Motion passed unanimously, 4-0..” (Motion: Sarah MacDonald, second: Teehan)
Mar 10Resolved to approve the alteration to the layout for…Motion: A motion was made by Ms. MacDonald resolved to approve the…Passed 4–0 · see note
March 10, 2022: Resolved to approve the alteration to the layout for 116 Bonham Road as laid out in the Revised Right of Way plan dated March 4, 2022
A motion was made by Ms. MacDonald resolved to approve the alteration to the layout for 116 Bonham Road as laid out in the Revised Right of Way plan dated March 4, 2022. The motion was seconded by Dr. Teehan. A roll call vote was taken Dimitria Sullivan Yes , Sarah MacDonald Yes Kevin R. Coughlin Yes Dennis Teehan Yes Motion passed unanimously, 4-0.
Yes: Coughlin, Sarah MacDonald, Sullivan, TeehanJames MacDonald joined the meeting at 8:15 p.m. (the attendance list says “from 8:15 p.m.”) and is not in this roll call, so he is not counted.
From the minutes
“A motion was made by Ms. MacDonald resolved to approve the alteration to the layout for 116 Bonham Road as laid out in the Revised Right of Way plan dated March 4, 2022. The motion was seconded by Dr. Teehan. A roll call vote was taken Dimitria Sullivan Yes , Sarah MacDonald Yes Kevin R. Coughlin Yes Dennis Teehan Yes Motion passed unanimously, 4-0..” (Motion: Sarah MacDonald, second: Teehan)
Mar 10Approve an increase to income limits for the senior…Motion: A motion was made by Ms. MacDonald it was resolved to…Passed 4–0 · see note
March 10, 2022: Approve an increase to income limits for the senior tax work off program to $45,000 for an individual and $55,000 for ) married couples
A motion was made by Ms. MacDonald it was resolved to approve an increase to income limits for the senior tax work off program to $45,000 for an individual and $55,000 for ) married couples. The motion was seconded by Mr. Coughlin. A roll call vote was taken Dimitria Sullivan Yes Sarah MacDonald Yes Kevin R. Coughlin Yes Dennis Teehan Yes . Motion passed unanimously, 4-0.
Yes: Coughlin, Sarah MacDonald, Sullivan, TeehanJames MacDonald joined the meeting at 8:15 p.m. (the attendance list says “from 8:15 p.m.”) and is not in this roll call, so he is not counted.
From the minutes
“A motion was made by Ms. MacDonald it was resolved to approve an increase to income limits for the senior tax work off program to $45,000 for an individual and $55,000 for ) married couples. The motion was seconded by Mr. Coughlin. A roll call vote was taken Dimitria Sullivan Yes Sarah MacDonald Yes Kevin R. Coughlin Yes Dennis Teehan Yes . Motion passed unanimously, 4-0..” (Motion: Sarah MacDonald, second: Coughlin)
From the Dedham Select Board’s official minutes, posted on the town’s Agendas and Minutes page. We check every vote against the Select Board members present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Photos: Stephen Acosta from Dedham Public Schools (School Committee page); Dimitria Sullivan and Erin Boles Welsh from Dedham Patch (2022 candidate profiles); Michelle Persson Reilly from her campaign website; James MacDonald from the Massachusetts School Building Authority staff page.
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